Distal biceps tendon rupture
A distal biceps tendon rupture is a tear of the tendon that attaches the main biceps muscle to the inside of the elbow joint.
Distal biceps tendon rupture overview
The biceps muscle plays a crucial role in bending your elbow and rotating your forearm (such as when turning a doorknob or using a screwdriver). A distal biceps tendon rupture occurs when the tendon connecting this muscle to the elbow bone snaps away. This injury most commonly happens when the arm is forcibly straightened against heavy resistance, such as when lifting heavy weights or catching a heavy falling object. While non-surgical treatment may be considered for older or less active individuals, surgery is usually recommended for most patients, especially active individuals and athletes, to restore full arm strength and avoid permanent loss of function.
Common symptoms include:
- An audible ‘pop’ or snapping sensation at the time of injury
- Immediate, severe pain around the front of the elbow
- Rapid swelling and bruising around the elbow and forearm
- A visible bulge or change in the shape of your biceps (often called a 'Popeye' muscle) as the tendon recoils up the upper arm
- Weakness when bending your elbow or twisting your forearm
How is a distal biceps tendon rupture diagnosed?
Diagnosing a distal biceps tendon rupture involves a detailed clinical examination by your consultant, who will check your arm strength and look for physical signs of a tear.
To confirm the diagnosis and determine whether the tear is partial or complete, an MRI scan is usually arranged.
Are there any risks?
Complications from distal biceps repair are uncommon, but as with any surgical procedure, potential risks include:
- Temporary or permanent nerve irritation causing numbness, weakness, or tingling in the forearm or hand
- Infection around the incision sites
- Bleeding or persistent swelling
- Stiffness or reduced range of motion in the elbow or forearm
- Re-rupture of the tendon or failure of the repair to heal
- The formation of extra bone in the soft tissues (heterotopic ossification)
Your specialist will discuss all potential risks with you in detail prior to your operation.
Treatment routes for distal biceps tendon rupture
Rest, bracing, and physiotherapy may be suitable for older or low-demand patients who are happy to accept some permanent weakness in forearm rotation and elbow flexion.
Recovery from distal biceps repair
Rest and wound protection
Keep your arm supported in your brace or sling, and ensure dressings remain clean and dry. Light wrist, hand, and finger movements are encouraged to prevent stiffness, but you must avoid lifting anything with the affected arm.
Controlled movement
Your wounds will be checked and any stitches removed. Under guidance, you will begin passive and active-assisted range-of-motion exercises. Your brace will be adjusted progressively to allow more movement.
Building strength
Most daily, light-duty tasks can be resumed. You will begin light resistance exercises to rebuild biceps strength, gradually weaning off the protective brace.
Return to full function
Strengthening progresses toward functional activities. Heavy lifting, manual labor, and contact or high-impact sports are typically restricted until 4 to 6 months post-surgery, once the repair is fully solid.
Working with elbow professionals and teams
Our elbow specialists support professional athletes, sports teams, active individuals and people whose work places high demands on their elbows. Working closely with radiologists, physiotherapists and the wider multidisciplinary team, they provide coordinated care from diagnosis through to rehabilitation, helping each person return safely to sport, work or everyday activities.
The same specialist expertise and collaborative approach are available to every patient, whatever your activity level or recovery goals.
Our Experts - Leaders in Elbow treatment
How to pay
We offer flexible options depending on how you choose to access care at Fortius. Whichever option you choose, we’ll help make the process clear and straightforward from the start.
Private medical insurance
If your care is covered by private medical insurance, we’ll usually invoice your insurer directly. Please check your policy in advance and request an authorisation code if your insurer requires one. You’ll be responsible for paying any policy excess or costs that aren’t covered by your insurance.
Paying for yourself
You don’t need private medical insurance to access care at Fortius. If you’re paying for your own treatment, our team will explain the costs clearly and provide a personalised quote before you decide whether to go ahead.
Find a clinic near you
Fortius Clinic City
Our City Clinic is conveniently located between Bank and Monument stations, within the historic and financial heart of London. At our modern, two-floor facility we have nine consulting rooms, spacious waiting areas, well equipped treatment rooms and an imaging centre.
Explore our City Clinic with our virtual tour.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground stations are Bank and Monument, exit 6 for King William Street.
Should you be travelling by car, the closest parking is a three minute drive away at NCP Car Park London Vintry Thames Exchange. If you are attending clinic on a weekday, please be aware that we are based in the congestion charge zone.
- 75 King William StreetEC4N 7BE
- 0203 195 2442
- Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- MRI Scan
Fortius Clinic Marylebone
Our Marylebone Clinic is conveniently located in the historic area between Baker Street and Marylebone High Street, just off Manchester Square, home to the iconic Wallace Collection. We have seven consulting rooms, private waiting areas on each floor, well equipped treatment rooms and diagnostic imaging.
- 17 Fitzhardinge StreetW1U 2EU
- 020 3195 2442
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
Fortius Clinic Marylebone Wing
Our 79,000 sq ft, seven-story, private hospital on Wigmore Street has 39 en-suite inpatient rooms, consultation and treatment rooms, and a physiotherapy suite.
The hospital has a high-spec imaging suite fully equipped with an MRI, CT scanner and X-ray machine. There are three state-of-the-art operating theatres, two anaesthetic rooms and a recovery bay.
Fortius Clinic London has two Mako robots for hip and knee joint replacements.
- 66 Wigmore StreetW1U 2SB
- +442031952442
- Open 24 hours
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- CT guided injection
- MRI Scan
- CT Scan
Fortius Clinic Wimbledon
Our Wimbledon clinic houses a state-of-the-art imaging centre with a 3T MRI and X-ray scanners, Ultrasound, seven consulting rooms, two spacious waiting areas and well equipped treatment rooms all located on one level, ensuring easy accessibility for all patients.
Our partnership with Spire St Anthony’s Hospital allows us to provide orthopaedic surgery closer to our clinic. We treat a full range of conditions and perform joint replacement surgery using the latest Mako robotic assisted technology.
Take a tour of our clinic virtually through Google 360 views here.
We are open Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm, and Saturday mornings from 8.30am to 12.30pm.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground station is Wimbledon (District Line), which also has rail and tramlink services from central London and beyond.
There is no parking available at the clinic, but we have a number of parking facilities all within a 10-12 minute walk of the clinic: Centre Court Car Park, Broadway Car Park, and Hartfield Road Car Park. Please note that all of these facilities are paid car parks.
The building at 22 Worple Road has steps leading up to the front entrance. If you require assistance please inform us before your arrival by calling ahead on 020 3195 2442
- 22 Worple RoadSW19 4DD
- 0203 195 2442
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- MRI Scan
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